PREVENTION, SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT 



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rarely occurs, but emaciation is often extreme. A relapse, or a 

 chronic form of the disease, may come on from three to six weeks 

 after apparent recovery from an acute attack. 



The period of incubation after exposure of susceptible animals 

 to the tick varies from thirteen to ninety days. This depends on 

 the fact that the tick lays its eggs on the ground and the hatching 

 period varies with weather conditions. The mortality is 90 per 

 cent, in adults in hot months, and 50 per cent, in fall and winter. 

 In young animals the disease is much less fatal and under nine 

 months it is rarely fatal. 



Texas fever must be differentiated from anthrax and blackleg. 

 In Texas fever ticks are found on the hide. Calves are exempt, and 

 only adult cattle are affected; whereas all species of animals are 

 attacked by anthrax. The mucous membranes are pale, but con- 

 gested in anthrax. The liver is large, yellowish and mottled in 

 Texas fever ; but large and darkly congested in anthrax. In black- 

 leg, the victims are young animals six months to two years. The 

 characteristic crackling swellings and gas under the skin are present, 

 while the liver is unaffected in blackleg. 



Treatment. — Preventive treatment is the only satisfactory 

 form. Medicinal therapy is of little avail save in chronic cases. 

 Here quinine sulphate is given in solution (average dose, 3i) four 

 times daily, for a week or so. Whiskey (§ii) and fluidextract 

 digitalis (3i) may be given thrice daily for depression. Epsom 

 salts are indicated in constipation, and during convalesence a powder 

 of reduced iron (3i), with powdered nux vomica (3i) and gentian 

 (3iv), may be given on the food thrice daily. The patient should 

 have all ticks removed and be kept in a tick-free enclosure and fed 

 on nourishing diet. 



Prevention. — For cattle in infested districts the following 

 methods are preventive : 



1. For small numbers of cattle: Picking, scraping with curry- 

 comb, or brushing the ticks off three times a week, especially from 



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